Smith not sour over controversial dismissal

Australia felt hard done by as Steve Smith was dismissed at the SCG, but the captain had few qualms after England's series-clinching win.

Published : Jan 21, 2018 18:01 IST

Mark Wood and Jos Buttler celebrate Steve Smith's wicket
Mark Wood and Jos Buttler celebrate Steve Smith's wicket
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Mark Wood and Jos Buttler celebrate Steve Smith's wicket

Steve Smith did not feel bitter over the manner of his dismissal at a crucial stage of Australia's 16-run defeat to England in the third one-day international in Sydney on Sunday.

After Jos Buttler's sensational century propelled England to 302-6 at the SCG, Australia were 181-3 when Smith, on 45 from 65 balls, edged the final delivery of the 34th over down low to wicketkeeper Buttler.

Both the centurion and bowler Mark Wood celebrated immediately, but Smith stood his ground and the on-field officials gave a soft signal of out as they sent the decision to the TV umpire.

Replays were inconclusive as to whether the ball had carried, but with insufficient evidence to overturn the call, Smith was sent from the field shaking his head while a cacophony of boos rang out.

"It got given out, so I had to get off the field," said Smith.

"I wasn't hitting it very well anyway, it gave some other guys a chance and they almost got us home."

Read: Brilliant Buttler century sets up England series win

Marcus Stoinis' 56 off 43 – following earlier fifties from Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh – was in vain as Australia were held to 286-6, suffering a first home defeat in a bilateral series against England.

"He [Stoinis] is a powerful guy, a real positive," said Smith. "Our one-day cricket hasn't been up to scratch, we've got to find ways to win against quality opposition.

"It's disappointing, I thought the way we bowled in the first 45 overs was good, but Jos played exceptionally well, [Chris] Woakesy too.

"But we bowled poorly at the end, you can't do that to a guy like Jos. We were chasing probably 30 too many. We batted well but not enough to get over the line."

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